Viking Reflections

Hello parents, students, and friends! There is a lot going on as we jump headlong into our second semester of the 2023-2024 school year! Please check out the information included in this newsletter to keep up with everything that is going on.

I wanted to use this platform to share some great things going on in the high school, reflect on the incredible accomplishments of the first semester, share initiatives for this semester, and address some challenges we will overcome.

Thank you for all you do in making Central Heights a great place to learn, to grow, and enjoy the opportunities that public education provides!

Sincerely,

Luke Matile

Jan 17-20: Flint Hills League Basketball Tournament

Jan 17: Viking ClayBusters parent meeting

Jan 23: PTA Chili Supper and Silent Auction

Jan 24: Choir to perform at KC Mavericks game

Feb 1: Regional Scholars Bowl

Feb 2: King/Queen of Courts

Feb 10: Girls Regional Wrestling

Feb 15: Senior Night Recognition and Honor Flight Silent Auction

Feb 16-17: Boys Regional Wrestling

Feb 19 & 22: Parent Teacher Conferences (Student-Led)

Feb 22-24: State Band and Choir

Feb 27: Juniors taking ACT

Mar 6-9: Sub State Basketball Tournament

Mar 8-15: No School

Both, Gabe and Russell have put in countless hours this year practicing and preparing for State Auditions. Mrs. Cannady has been absolutely bursting with excitement for them, and could not be more proud of their achievement! Gabe made 3rd chair Horn, solidifying himself as the 3rd best Horn in the State of Kansas 1A-4A. Russell made 10th chair Trombone, and can proudly say that he is part of the top ten Trombones in the State of Kansas 1A-4A.

In addition to these two high performers on the band side, a huge congratulations also goes out to Charli Smith! Charli earned a Tenor spot on the All State mixed ensemble! Ms. Selenke is truly proud of the work Charli has put in and overwhelmed by fact that Charli made the ensemble as a tenor, a spot usually reserved for males.

Central Heights has never had a student make All-State Choir or Band until this year. This is a pretty big deal, so if you see Gabe, Russell, or Charli, please Congratulate them. Each of them, along with Arabella Dunbar, traveled to Salina this past weekend to compete with the best instrumentalists and vocal performers from around the State.

High schools should actively seek community partnerships as they play a crucial role in enriching the overall educational experience for students. By connecting with local businesses, organizations, and professionals, high schools can offer students opportunities to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This exposure not only makes education more engaging but also enhances students' understanding of the practical applications of what they learn in the classroom. Community partnerships provide access to a diverse range of resources, including internships, mentorship programs, and experiential learning opportunities, which contribute to the development of well-rounded, career-ready individuals.

Moreover, community partnerships foster a sense of collaboration and interconnectedness between schools and the broader community. Additionally, community partnerships create a support network for students, connecting them with professionals and mentors who can offer guidance and insights into various fields. Overall, these partnerships contribute to a holistic and dynamic educational environment that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter beyond high school.

We are thankful for the incredible community partnerships we have with local people such as New Horizon Ranch and Paul Bean with the Franklin County Development Council. Through New Horizon we have had student hands on lessons with character development and leadership as well as project based learning activities for core credit. Paul has helped develop career development opportunities by fostering relationships between local businesses as well as high school classes and students.

We were fortunate to have two students out of this year's senior class graduate early to pursue further education! Chrome McCleary and Dakota Willcut were both able to complete their course work for early graduation by December. Each student took a different path to achieve similar results. Chrome is pursing a career in cosmetology and Dakota is pursuing an diesel engine mechanic career.

The Kansas Department of Education has created a new set of graduation requirements for the class of 2028. While some aspects of a high school diploma are similar to what they have been since I was in high school, other items will have a change. With that said, there will be a bit of a transition from our traditional requirements to the new ones. We will be sure to keep everyone updated as new plans are created for our future Viking graduates. Please check out the flyer for a few key changes.

Central Heights High school is in year three of implementing "The Leader in Me" program because it provides a comprehensive framework for developing essential leadership and life skills in students. This initiative, inspired by Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People," is designed to instill leadership qualities from an early age. The program focuses on fostering key attributes such as responsibility, goal-setting, teamwork, and effective communication. By integrating "The Leader in Me" into high school curricula, educators aim to empower students with the skills and mindset necessary to navigate challenges, collaborate with others, and take initiative in various aspects of their lives.

Furthermore, the program emphasizes values such as respect, empathy, and personal responsibility, fostering a sense of community within the school environment. Students not only learn to be leaders in their academic pursuits but also develop a strong foundation for ethical decision-making and interpersonal relationships. As high schools implement "The Leader in Me," they are investing in a holistic approach to education that goes beyond traditional academic achievements, nurturing the development of well-rounded individuals equipped with the leadership skills needed for success in both their academic and personal journeys.

CHHS provides weekly grade level specific lessons based on student feedback. Additionally, as a result of Leader In Me, students have helped plan major events such as the Veterans Day Program, adjusted initiatives such as student led conferences, and created several beautiful murals around the district.

Central Heights High School is in year six of utilizing student-led conferences as an innovative approach to enhance student engagement and ownership of their educational journey. These conferences shift the traditional parent-teacher dynamic by putting students in the driver's seat, allowing them to actively participate in discussions about their academic progress, goals, and achievements. This student-centered approach not only fosters a sense of responsibility and self-reflection but also promotes effective communication skills as students articulate their learning experiences to their parents or guardians. By involving students in the conference process, high schools aim to cultivate a more collaborative learning environment where students take an active role in shaping their educational paths and parents become partners in their child's academic growth.

This spring's student-led conferences will be held on February 19th and 22nd. Please make plans to attend as your son/daughter shares their successes, goals, and you work together to create a plan of study for them to achieve their career aspirations!

Kansas high schools, like many educational institutions, emphasize sportsmanship among spectators for several important reasons. First and foremost, promoting sportsmanship contributes to creating a positive and respectful atmosphere during athletic events. Spectators, including parents, play a significant role in shaping the overall experience for student-athletes, coaches, and other attendees. Demonstrating sportsmanship helps maintain a supportive environment that fosters healthy competition, fair play, and mutual respect among all participants.

Additionally, the emphasis on sportsmanship aligns with the educational goals of high schools. Sporting events provide valuable opportunities for character development, and by demanding sportsmanship from spectators, schools aim to instill core values such as integrity, teamwork, and empathy in the community. This focus on sportsmanship not only enhances the overall culture within the school but also reinforces the idea that athletics are not just about winning but also about personal growth, camaraderie, and learning life skills that extend beyond the playing field. Ultimately, Kansas high schools prioritize sportsmanship among spectators to create a positive and enriching environment that aligns with the broader educational mission of fostering well-rounded individuals.

While the views of officials may vary, many sports officials emphasize the critical role of sportsmanship in creating a positive and fair sporting environment. Sports officials often stress the importance of respectful behavior from players, coaches, and spectators alike. They highlight that sportsmanship is not only about adhering to the rules but also about treating opponents, officials, and teammates with dignity and fairness.

Officials generally appreciate when athletes and coaches display good sportsmanship by accepting their decisions, refraining from disrespectful behavior, and maintaining a positive attitude on the field or court. This contributes to a more enjoyable and harmonious atmosphere during competitions. Officials often emphasize that sportsmanship goes beyond the final score, emphasizing the values of integrity, respect, and ethical conduct that should be integral to the sports experience.

High school activities associations expect administrators to take swift and decisive action if spectators become unruly or disrespectful towards officials during sporting events. Administrators are typically responsible for maintaining a safe and positive environment for all participants, and this includes ensuring that spectators adhere to codes of conduct. In the event of inappropriate behavior towards officials, administrators are expected to address the situation promptly, which may involve issuing warnings, removing disruptive spectators from the venue, and implementing disciplinary measures as necessary. This proactive approach is crucial to upholding the principles of sportsmanship, fostering a respectful atmosphere, and ensuring that officials can perform their duties without interference or intimidation.